Non-invasive fetal electrocardiography ameliorates fetal outcome in chorioangioma: A case report

Abstract

Chorioangioma is a rare vascular placental tumour. Large chorioangiomas are known to have many maternal and perinatal complications. The case of placental chorioangioma detected via ultrasound is presented. This paper is focused on non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NI-FECG) clinical use for diagnosing fetal anemia in chorioangioma. A 22-year-old primigravida was admitted to the department of fetomaternal medicine at 30 weeks of gestation. She had threatened preterm labour, polyhydramnios, and breech presentation. The large echogenic mass of 77mm×66mm×83 mm, located in the uterine bottom, protruded into the amniotic cavity, and connected to the marginal sinus of the placenta was determined via ultrasound. The sinusoidal pattern of beat-to-beat variations was diagnosed via NI-FECG in spite of normal blood flow velocity in the fetal middle cerebral artery. Therefore, NI-FECG was superior in the detection of fetal anemia. The female baby weighing 1500 g and measuring 42 cm in length, with a head circumference of 30 cm and Apgar score 3−→5, was delivered by caesarean section. The baby had severe anemia and respiratory distress syndrome. NI-FECG was a good option for the clinician for the timely and accurate diagnosis of fetal anemia and fetal compromise in placental chorioangioma.